Amazing Opportunities Working in Beautiful Vermont State Parks

It is often said that places have a way of finding us. That was certainly the case when Vermont came into our lives in 2009. My husband and I have been working seasonally for about a decade with Vermont State Parks. We think it’s one of the best jobs out there.

Seasonal work has it’s pluses and minuses. It might not be for everybody for their whole lives. But I think seasonal work can play a role in many stages of life and not everyone is always aware of these opportunities.

So I wrote this post.

There are no other affiliations with this post. This is simply to say, here’s some information, it’s been an awesome fit for us, and if you know someone who might benefit from this work, please share it with them.

Some parks have the same staff return every year for ages. Other parks will get openings for a whole variety of reasons. Every year there is always some last minute shuffling, spots to fill and parks to run. It’s ideal to get your applications in early, but you never know when good spots might be available. The moral of the story is it’s never too late to apply for working in beautiful Vermont and at the very least have your name in the candidate pool.

If you worked in a Groton State Forest park, this would be part of your back yard at Ricker Pond.

Different types of people I know who have interwoven working in beautiful Vermont into their life:

School Teachers

– Maybe not your first thought, but there are some school teachers who have found a niche being park interpreters. The park interpreter position has a short season which may align well with school schedules.

Retirees

– There are some extremely dedicated and hard working volunteers who come back year after year to volunteer within the park. Most of them have their own RV’s. Some volunteers are also younger and are able to work remotely while volunteering in the parks. However, just know many of VT State Parks do not have the best cell coverage, so be aware of that.

– Some retirees also work in parks as their summer retirement job too.

High School & University Students

– Many high school and university students are a great fit to work seasonally within the parks. If this is you, just always make sure you are upfront with your end date so the parks can plan for their appropriate staffing needs.

Snow Birds

– There are tons of people who travel and work all around the country chasing their preferred seasons. Those that seek to escape winter often work in the Northeast in the summer and then find another seasonal job to work south for the winter.

Everyone Else

– Then there’s everyone else. Some people work and then travel like Chris and I do. Some people work a summer job and then work a winter job enjoying the snow. Some people it just fits their lifestyle as is. For such a small state, Vermont has over 52 state parks and that number is growing. There are all types of people in all kinds of scenarios who have found a niche within parks.

Vermont is a friendly place.

Types of Jobs:

Park Managers

– Oversee all operations of a park from staffing, accounting, grounds works, cleaning, rule enforcement and any other tasks necessary to get the job done and run a nice park.

Assistant Managers

– Main helper to park manager with the tasks above and willing to get anything done with a good attitude.

Park Attendants

– Help with any tasks needed and assigned to help in running a nice park. Likely tasks are cleaning sites and bathrooms, grounds work, office work and anything else needed to make the park run awesomely.

Maintenance Workers

– This work could be specific to the regional needs. Necessary skill levels will vary.

Park Interpreters

– This role is all about helping educate the public, usually in a specifically assigned park. You might offer a nature walk, history talk or other wildlife presentation. Arts and crafts projects are also a typical activity interpreters offer.

Park Hosts/Volunteers

– Many host volunteers return year after year. Particularly if you have an RV these are ideal positions for you. Hosts usually receive a site with hook ups (note VT State Parks does not offer hooks up for regular campers) and get to live in the park for 30 hrs of host volunteer hours for two people.

Park Performer Volunteers

– Are you a musician or other talented individual? If so you may be able to set up a performance in the park in exchange for park credit. Typically a performer receives enough park credit to allow them to camp for the weekend (or use the credit for a future visit) or they could choose to buy a bunch of park merchandise. VT State Park merchandise makes great Christmas presents! 🙂

Photo/Video Interns/Volunteers

– If you have photo or video skills, you may also be able to take pictures, turn them in and receive credit for camping as well. Often specific parks or topics are assigned to interns based on location and needs.

Lifeguard

– There is one park in VT that has an actual lifeguard: Button Bay State Park. If you live near there, check it out.

Ferry Boat Deckhand

– This position helps with Vermont’s only and much loved state park on an island: Burton Island State Park.

Trail Crew Workers

– Here you can help build trails, often the northern region around Montpelier.

Other

– It’s not uncommon that new positions get added as parks grow and evolve. So check out the employment page as you never know what opportunities may pop up.

This is one of my favorite spring tasks: leaf blowing!

What type of work do I do?

Given all the different job titles above, that’s a really broad question to answer.

The short answer: Anything necessary to make the park awesome.

With so many different types of positions available, just get started with the application process and then see what might be possible parks for you to work in. Some parks also have concession stands and one park operates as a lodge. There is a ton of variety with the type of work that needs to be done.

What Else?

Most of these positions are eligible for free camping on your off time (make sure you have the best gear), a free VT fishing license, this is basically paid exercise and a fun team atmosphere. Some positions, including most manager and assistant manager positions offer and require on site housing inclusive of your job duties.

Those of you who know us know that we love working in Vermont State Parks. If you know of someone else who may also enjoy one of these positions, please let them know about the opportunities that may be available to them. If you have any questions that I may be able to help answer, feel free to ask away. Otherwise browse over the website, get your application in and see if Vermont is meant to be your summer home.

This is us at our current park which we fondly call The Cutest Park ever. It’s otherwise known as Townshend State Park.

Curious what else we’ve done while working in beautiful Vermont? Here are a few posts to browse through showcasing Vermont:

Vermont State Parks – Why You Should Work Here (another post I wrote on the topic – just with a different perspective)

Oh Vermont – How we Love You

The Cabot Sock Sale

Bread and Puppet – The Circus Show, VT

Amazing Sunset at Seyon Lodge in VT

Seyon Fall, Vermont, USA

Fall in Vermont is a Must See Time of Year

Making Food in Vermont is Amazing to Eat

Have you been to Vermont before? Are you currently working in beautiful Vermont? What’s your favorite Vermonty thing?